On Bowen Island, the RCMP will be issuing Positive Tickets to kids doing great things in the community. There are hundreds of free movie coupons waiting to be given to youth as a way of recognizing good behaviour, good deeds and positive actions. This is all in a way that will help form positive relationships between police and young people.
Through the fundraising efforts of the Bowen Island Rotary Club (the operation Rednose volunteers) and a partnership with Bowen Village Video, youth ages five to 18 will be given free movies when they're "caught" doing good things. Youth may be recognized for wearing a bicycle helmet, volunteering, playing without causing a disturbance, helping others and so on.
This initiative is based on the idea that police officers can prevent crime by steering kids in the right direction, bonding with them and building relationships of trust. The Positive Ticket program was championed over a decade ago by then Commanding Officer of Richmond Detachment, Ward Clapham, who reported a drop in negative youth activities in that city. Corporal Joyce is excited that this program is a reality now on Bowen Island, after her predecessor, Corporal Don Southern got the ball rolling with this idea in 2011.
"I am really committed to the idea of rewarding youth on Bowen Island for being good, which could be something as simple as showing up for school, or just playing with their friends without causing a disturbance" says Corporal Joyce. "Really, just a normal kid on Bowen Island may get a positive ticket because even kids who are already doing well need that recognition."
The first two Positive Tickets were issued on Friday at the Bowen Island Community School to Ryan Hanen, and Oscar Kerridge-Finch. "Ryan jumped in and helped a friend in need with some first aid skills he had learned a week earlier. Oscar also used his first aid skills a few days later in a separate incident. It seemed obvious to me that Ryan and Oscar should get our first tickets, said Corporal Joyce. "Both boys were so proud when they received them and they should be. They did a great thing for their friends."
The program will run from now until the end of September.
Cpl NANCY JOYCE, B.I. RCMP
